Joe and Anthony Russo thanked Marvel fans for returning to cinemas as Avengers: Endgame reclaimed the record for the highest-grossing Hollywood film.

Joe and Anthony Russo have shared a special message with fans after Avengers: Endgame became the highest-grossing film of all time at the box office.

The Marvel blockbuster officially surpassed Avatar, reclaiming the record following its encore theatrical re-release. The achievement marked another major milestone for the superhero film, which originally became a global box-office phenomenon after its 2019 release.

The Russo brothers, who directed Avengers: Endgame, thanked fans for returning to cinemas to experience the film once again.

“Our favourite thing about making Avengers: Endgame was sitting in theatres with audiences as we released it. So the fact that we could do that again on the encore re-release was amazing,” the filmmakers said in a video message shared on Instagram.

They also expressed their gratitude for the continued support the film has received throughout its theatrical run.

“It’s been one of the most special moments of our career making this film,” the brothers said, adding that they were grateful to everyone who returned to cinemas to watch the film again.

The directors also highlighted how the re-release allowed audiences to share the experience with people who had not watched the movie during its original theatrical run. They said new fans were introduced to the film while existing viewers returned to cheer for it once again.

The theatrical re-release was also intended to refresh Marvel fans’ memories ahead of the next major chapter in the franchise. Avengers: Endgame remains closely connected to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, making a return to the film particularly relevant for fans preparing for the next instalment.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on December 18, bringing back the Avengers franchise for another major theatrical event.